Abstract: An orthodontic bracket is described and which includes a base member defining an archwire slot having an opening, and at least one projection extending outwardly from the base member; a ligating slide moveable between a first position which is clear of the archwire slot, and second position where the ligating slide projects over the opening of the archwire slot; and a biasing member borne by the ligating slide, and resiliently cooperating with the projection, and wherein the biasing member has a first portion which receives the projection when the ligating slide is in the first position, and a second portion which receives the projection when the ligating slide is in the second position.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket is described and which includes a base member defining an archwire slot having an opening, and at least one projection extending outwardly from the base member; a ligating slide moveable between a first position which is clear of the archwire slot, and second position where the ligating slide projects over the opening of the archwire slot; and a biasing member borne by the ligating slide, and resiliently cooperating with the projection, and wherein the biasing member has a first portion which receives the projection when the ligating slide is in the first position, and a second portion which receives the projection when the ligating slide is in the second position.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket is described and which includes a base member defining an archwire slot having an opening, and at least one projection extending outwardly from the base member; a ligating slide moveable between a first position which is clear of the archwire slot, and second position where the ligating slide projects over the opening of the archwire slot; and a biasing member borne by the ligating slide, and resiliently cooperating with the projection, and wherein the biasing member has a first portion which receives the projection when the ligating slide is in the first position, and a second portion which receives the projection when the ligating slide is in the second position.

Abstract: A hard, solvent free, substantially non-hydrophilic polyurethane elastomer for use in making dental appliances. The elastomer has a hardness of not less than about Shore D65. A polyether or polyester polyol with a functionality greater than two and a molecular weight greater than one hundred is reacted with an isocyanate prepolymer prepared from one or more branched polyether or polyester polyols with a functionality greater than two; and then blending prepolymer and first polyether or polyester polyol with nanoparticles. In one embodiment, the polypropylene glycol triether and the isocyanate prepolymer comprises dicyclohexylmethane 4,4?-diisocyanate.

Abstract: The present application describes a method for designing and manufacturing a denture device for a patient. A method is described for designing a virtual denture and manufacturing a functional fitting replica denture from the virtual denture. An apparatus comprising a functional fitting replica denture is prepared having denture teeth having a fit substantially similar to the final denture. The methods and apparatus described herein reduce the number of visits required to manufacture the final denture.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, dental floss is provided comprising a floss tape comprising a flossing strip, the flossing strip having opposing longitudinal side faces and opposing longitudinal edges, and a plurality of flossing elements formed along at least one of the longitudinal edges. In at least one embodiment, dental floss is provided comprising a floss tape comprising a flossing strip, the flossing strip having opposing longitudinal side faces and opposing longitudinal edges, and at least one side flossing fin extending laterally outwardly from at least one of the longitudinal side faces of the flossing strip.

Abstract: Various systems, method, and compositions for treating a tooth are disclosed herein. For example, an apparatus for treating a tooth is disclosed. The apparatus can include a chamber having an access port which places the chamber in fluid communication with a treatment region of the tooth when the chamber is coupled to tooth. A fluid motion generator can be coupled to the chamber. The fluid motion generator can be configured to direct fluid across the access port to generate fluid motion in the chamber. In various embodiments, fluid motion (e.g., vortices, swirl, etc.) can be induced at or near treatment regions of the tooth, such as a root canal or carious region.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tooth scaling method for removing calculus, and the tooth scaling method may comprise the steps of: sensing a parameter difference between a scaler tip and a suction tip or a parameter change of each of the scaler tip and the suction tip using a sensor unit; determining whether the parameter difference or each of the parameters changes within a reference range, which appears when the scaler tip contacts a tooth and the suction tip is positioned inside the oral cavity, or not; and activating the scaler tip and the suction tip when the parameter difference or each of the parameters is included in the reference range.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for systems, methods and devices relating to sonic toothbrush and whitening compound. In some examples, systems may comprise a sonic toothbrush. The sonic toothbrush may include a head section and a handle section. The head section may include a head at a first end and a connector attached to the handle section at a second end. The head may include bristles, a blue light emitting diode (LED) and a white LED. The handle section may include a sonicator configured to vibrate the head. The handle section may include controls to provide power to the sonicator, to select a speed of the sonicator, to provide power to the blue LED, and to provide power to the white LED. The systems may comprise a whitening compound including hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide in the whitening compound may be activated when exposed to light emitted by the blue LED.

Abstract: A package for an orthodontic bracket or other dental product is formed by a container having a bottom and a plurality of sidewalls, creating a cavity within the container. One of the sidewalls is disposed at an angle greater than 90 degrees from the bottom so that it slants up and away from the bottom. This way, the opening in the top of the package is larger than the surface area of the bottom of the package. There is a removable top configured for covering the cavity. There is a quantity of pliable material attached to the bottom or to the slanted sidewall. The pliable material is configured to be able to hold a small object such as an orthodontic bracket in place when the object is pressed into the pliable material. The bracket is placed on the pliable material in such a way that adhesive disposed on the rear side of the bracket does not touch the pliable material or any other part of the bracket.

Abstract: The deciduous teeth storage device contains an openable casing, an upper gum cast, a lower gum cast, and a number of artificial teeth. The gum casts are stored in the casing. Along a gum model of the upper and lower gum casts, there are a number of holes for receiving the artificial teeth and the deciduous teeth, and the upper and lower gum casts are joined along their back edges by a foldable element providing an angle of rotation in-between. The casing contains a lower chamber where a movable drawer is configured for storing adhesives and artificial teeth. A transparent plate is attached to an upper side of the casing, and at least a pair of magnets are correspondingly embedded in the transparent plate and the top side of the casing, respectively, so that a child's photo can be positioned between the casing and the transparent plate.

Abstract: A system for managing female incontinence includes a body of biocompatible material configured to fit between the labia minora and the vestibule floor, the body having a surface configured to occlude the urethral meatus, an adhesive carried on at least a first portion of the surface and configured to provide a sealing engagement between the body and the urethral meatus, and a substance carried by at least one of the body and the adhesive and configured for controlling the odor of the general vaginal-urethral area of a female.

Abstract: An implantable support member having at least one adjusting portion operable for adjusting a length or tension of the support member after placement of support member anchors. The support member is operable to provide mid-urethral support for treating urinary incontinence.

Abstract: An implantable article and method are disclosed for treating pelvic floor disorders such as vaginal vault prolase. A surgical kit useful for performing a surgical procedure such as a sacral colpopexy is also described.

Abstract: Systems and surgical methods and procedures for performing transvaginal apical suspension are provided.

Abstract: An implantable medical device such as a filter has a generally conical shape formed by a set of filter legs extending from a free distal end to an apex of the assembly and specifically to a coupling device. A retrieval element such as a hook extends from the hub of. A spacer member is disposed at the hub and is formed of a plurality of curved wire elements. The spacer member has a radius or width smaller than the greatest radius of the filter device, defined by the free ends of the filter legs. The spacer member allows the filter assembly to tilt within a vessel but limits the tilt to a maximum desired or permitted tilt, ensuring that the retrieval device remains spaced from the vessel wall and therefore not subject to tissue ingrowth.

Abstract: Funnel-trap type delivery and/or retrieval devices for temporary Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filters or other medical implants or foreign bodies are described. These may employ a locking sheath or a proximal-aperture capture feature or features for IVC filter (or other device) retrieval.

Abstract: Funnel-trap type devices made of shape-set (e.g., heatset) braid for delivery and/or retrieval of Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filters or other medical devices are described. Delivery and/or retrieval devices, kits in which they are included, methods of use and methods of manufacture are all contemplated herein.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for treating gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) include anti-reflux valves and retainers for securing them within the lumen of the esophagus, stomach, or a hiatal hernia. The retainers contain inflatable balloons, some of which may be enveloped by a flexible shell that is used to secure the balloon to tissue. Methods are described for treating GERD patients who (1) have no hiatal hernia, (2) have a hiatal hernia that is fixed in place, or (3) have a hiatal hernia that slides above and below the diaphragm. Methods are also described for delivering GERD-treatment devices to their target locations within the patient's gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for fixing a ligament graft in a bone tunnel. In general, the methods and devices involve affixing a ligament graft within a bone tunnel using an adhesive. A fixation device can be inserted through the ligament graft in a direction transverse to an axis of the tunnel to maintain the ligament graft in contact with the adhesive. The fixation device can be removed when the adhesive is cured such that the ligament graft is fixed in the tunnel.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fixation device. The fixation device includes a base portion having a first leg, a second leg, and a groove located between the first and second legs, and a top portion extending from the base portion. A method of tissue repair and a kit are also disclosed.

Abstract: A ligament-tensioning device and method for activation of the ligament and/or capsule system in the implantation of a joint implant. The device includes a distal bearing plate for bearing against a distal skeletal part, and also includes first and second proximal bearing plates, each of which partially overlaps the distal bearing plate in a first in-use position, for bearing against a proximal skeletal part. The device further includes means for relative displacement of the proximal bearing plates to increase their spacing from the distal bearing plate. The displacement means includes a scissor-type guide means that supports the respective proximal bearing plate in the ventral-dorsal as well as the medial-lateral parallel position with respect to the distal bearing plate.

Abstract: The present specification provides for methods for purifying fibroins, purified fibroins, methods of conjugating biological and synthetic molecules to fibroins, fibroins conjugated to such molecules, methods of making fibroin hydrogels, fibroin hydrogels and fibroin hydrogel formulations useful for a variety of medical uses, including, without limitation uses as bulking agents, tissue space fillers, templates for tissue reconstruction or regeneration, cell culture scaffolds for tissue engineering and for disease models, surface coating to improve medical device function, or drug delivery devices.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a breast implant having an ePTFE layer, a Silicone layer of a breast implant core, and an interface between the ePTFE layer and the Silicone layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inserting prosthesis implants into a patient pocket. The apparatus has three openings including a prosthesis opening, a larger proximal opening, and a small distal opening. The apparatus prevents infection; eases insertion and placement; and reduces complications. In use, the inverse bellow is placed through the patient incision while allowing the bellow to be manipulated to force the prosthesis into a surgical pocket of a patient.

Abstract: Disclosed is an intraocular lens with a fine pattern including an optic having a circular shape, and a plurality of haptics connected to a periphery of the optic, and a pattern is formed on a surface of a partial area of at least one of the optic and the haptics.

Abstract: An improved posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens (PCP-IOL) having a haptic with a collar, self-adjusting struts, and lens is disclosed. Haptic or lens of the PCP-IOL may include a protected orifice. A disclosed PCP-IOL may be configured to fit anatomy of varying sizes, and may be self-centering; additionally, a PCP-IOL as set forth herein may allow peripheral aqueous flow between anterior and posterior chambers of a patient's eye.

Abstract: The implant comprises a tubular proximal sleeve, extending between a proximal end and a distal end, and deployable between a contracted configuration and a deployed configuration. Proximal arms each extend between an end connected to the distal end, and a free end positioned past the distal end. At least one proximal arm is elastically deformable between a separating position and an anchoring position, the radial distance between its free end and its connected end being larger in the separating position rather than in the anchoring position. This proximal arm is elastically recalled toward its anchoring position. The implant includes: a first stop, supported by this proximal arm, and a second stop, cooperating with the first stop in the contracted configuration to keep this proximal arm in its separating position, and releasing this first stop in the deployed configuration.

Abstract: A prosthetic mitral valve includes a collapsible and expandable elliptical or “D”-shaped stent. The stent includes first and second commissure attachment features and a collapsible and expandable valve assembly disposed therein. The valve assembly includes two leaflets, each leaflet having a first edge operably coupled to the stent and a second free edge. Each leaflet may include first and second tabs connecting first and second ends of the first and second edges, respectively. Each leaflet includes a height measured from a midpoint of the first edge to a midpoint of the second edge and a width measured from a junction of the first edge with the first tab to a junction of the first edge with the second tab. The ratio of the height to the width may be between about 0.4 and about 0.65.

Abstract: A stentless support structure capable of being at least partly assembled in situ. The support structure comprises a braided tube that is very flexible and, when elongated, becomes very long and very small in diameter, thereby being capable of placement within a small diameter catheter. The support structure is preferably constructed of one or more thin strands of a super-elastic or shape memory material such as Nitinol. When released from the catheter, the support structure folds itself into a longitudinally compact configuration. The support structure thus gains significant strength as the number of folds increase. This radial strength obviates the need for a support stent. The support structure may include attachment points for a prosthetic valve.

Abstract: A delivery device for a collapsible prosthetic heart valve includes an inner shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, an outer shaft disposed around the inner shaft and longitudinally moveable relative to the inner shaft, and a distal sheath disposed about a portion of the inner shaft and forming a compartment with the inner shaft, the compartment being adapted to receive the prosthetic heart valve. At least one of the outer shaft or the distal sheath may have a pattern of cutouts formed therein, the pattern including at least one ring around a circumference of the at least one of the outer shaft or the distal sheath, the at least one ring having at least one of the cutouts.

Abstract: Systems and methods recited herein provide for affixation of a prosthetic valve to surrounding tissue, by at least one anchor and an anchor deployment device. The prosthetic valve device may be compliant with native tissue and may receive the at least one anchor in at least one anchor receptacle to affix the prosthetic valve to native tissue. The anchor may include a distal tip, a proximal head, and a tension component, such that upon deployment into tissue the tension component is situated in a tensioned state to exert a pulling force on the distal end of the anchor.

Abstract: A medical system (300) is disclosed for treating a defective mitral valve (MV) having an annulus (A). The system (300) comprises in combination a removable and flexible elongate displacement unit (301) for temporary insertion into a coronary sinus (CS) adjacent the valve, wherein the displacement unit has a delivery state for delivery into said CS, and an activated state to which the displacement unit is temporarily and reversibly transferable from the delivery state. The displacement unit comprises a proximal reversibly expandable portion (302), a distal anchoring portion (303) being movable in relation to the proximal expandable portion in a longitudinal direction of the displacement unit to the activated state in which the shape of the annulus is modified to a modified shape (A?); and an annuloplasty device (102) for permanent fixation at the mitral valve annulus by annuloplasty of the valve when the modified shape is obtained.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a resilient interpositional arthroplasty implant for application into joints to pad cartilage defects, cushion joints, and replace or restore the articular surface, which may preserve joint integrity, reduce pain and improve function. The implant may endure variable joint compressive and shear forces and cyclic loads. The implant may repair, reconstruct, and regenerate joint anatomy, and thereby improve upon joint replacement alternatives. Rather than using periosteal harvesting for cell containment in joint resurfacing, the walls of this invention may capture, distribute and hold living cells until aggregation and hyaline cartilage regrowth occurs. The implant may be deployed into debrided joint spaces, molding and conforming to surrounding structures with sufficient stability to avoid extrusion or dislocation.

Abstract: An implant having components comprising an oxidized zirconium bearing surface adapted to decrease pain, lower friction, and minimize wear when coupled with natural femoral articular cartilage. The implant components also provide for reduced backside wear effects in fixed and mobile implants. The implant components further provide for more ideal wear coupling between components in mobile bearing implants.

Abstract: A glenoid component for securement to a glenoid surface of a scapula comprises a body portion having a first surface adapted to contact the glenoid surface of a scapula and a second surface configured to receive the head portion of a humerus. The glenoid component further includes an anchor peg for penetrating the glenoid surface of the scapula so as to secure the body portion to the glenoid surface of the scapula. The anchor peg includes a cylindrical shaft extending from the first surface of the body portion and a fin secured to and extending outwardly from the cylindrical shaft. The glenoid component further includes a feature that prevents rotation of the glenoid component.

Abstract: A glenoid implant has an anatomically formed body including of metal and/or plastic materials. It further has a contact surface adapted to extend the surface of a glenoid and to bear a humerus. In the implant body, there is at least one hole with a screw head seating area for holding the head of a screw, which may be screwed into a glenoid for fixedly attaching the glenoid implant.

Abstract: Implants that have anchoring elements, which are vertebral implants that can be used as intervertebral disk replacement in the form of cages for the fusion of vertebral bodies.

Abstract: The present invention is a spinal implant that can be inserted into a surgically created cavity of one or more regions of the mammalian spine. Among other things, the biocompatible implant and end cap or biocompatible implant, end cap and spacer combinations can assist with the restoration of the normal anatomic spinal alignment and spinal stability.

Abstract: Embodiments herein are generally directed to spinal implants for use in orthopedic stabilization assemblies. In some embodiments, these implants may be used in conjunction with laminoplasty or laminectomy procedures.

Abstract: An intervertebral support system, comprising: a center portion having top and bottom recesses; a top portion having a bottom recess, the bottom recess in the top portion interlocking with the top recess in the center portion when the top position is positioned on top of the center portion; and a bottom portion having a top recess, the top recess in the bottom position interlocking with the bottom recess in the center portion when the bottom portion is positioned under the center portion.

Abstract: The present application generally relates to orthopedic systems, and in particular, to systems including independent plates and spacers. A plating system can include a spacer and a plate that is independent from the spacer. A number of locking mechanisms can be provided to secure the plate to the spacer. In some cases, the spacer includes a pair of notches that extend on an outer surface of the spacer. The plate can include a pair of lateral extensions that can engage the notches to secure the plate to the spacer. In other cases, the spacer includes an opening including a pair of inlets. The plate can include an enclosed posterior extension that can be received in the pair of inlets to secure the plate to the spacer.

Abstract: An implant for therapeutically separating bones of a joint has two endplates each having an opening through the endplate, and at least one ramped surface on a side opposite a bone engaging side. A frame is slideably connected to the endplates to enable the endplates to move relative to each other at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the implant, in sliding connection with the frame. An actuator screw is rotatably connected to the frame. A carriage forms an open area aligned with the openings in the endplates. The openings in the endplates pass through the carriage to form an unimpeded passage from bone to bone of the joint. The carriage has ramps which mate with the ramped surfaces of the endplates, wherein when the carriage is moved by rotation of the actuator screw, the endplates move closer or farther apart.

Abstract: The instant invention is a longitudinally adjustable corpectomy device which fits within the intervertebral distracted channel. A ratchet mechanism allows for an extendable member to adjust to a longer length to accommodate a distracted channel. The ratchet type mechanism allows the members to move in a unidirectional movement to prevent the two members from contracting once expanded.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant that can be surgically introduced between adjacent vertebrae and expanded in situ to occupy an optimal space between the vertebrae. The implant is inserted into the evacuated disc space obliquely and then oriented so as to extend laterally across the anterior adjacent vertebrae with its outer ends of the implant supported by the cortical rims on the opposite sides of the vertebrae. The implant has two body members with a space therebetween so the implant may be then distracted and a spacer of predetermined thickness that may be inserted within the space between the body members so as to maintain a desired amount of distraction. The upper and lower surfaces of the implant may have a desired lordotic angle. A method of using an implant is disclosed which permits endoscopic visualization of the disc space.

Abstract: A spacer for separating bones of a joint, the spacer includes a frame having a longitudinal axis, and ramped surfaces. An endplate configured to engage a bone of the joint has ramped surfaces mateable with the ramped surfaces of the frame. When the endplate is moved relative to the frame in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the frame, the endplate is moved in a direction away from the frame to increase the height at least one end of the spacer. A second endplate configured to engage a second bone of the joint can be similarly configured.

Abstract: Embodiments of apparatuses and methods for microfracture (e.g., forming a plurality of microfractures in a bone to encourage cartilage regeneration).

Abstract: A system and method for allowing any surgeon, including those surgeons who perform a fewer number of a replacement procedure as compared to a more experienced surgeon who performs a greater number of procedures, to provide an improved likelihood of a favorable outcome approaching, if not exceeding, a likelihood of a favorable outcome as performed by a very experienced surgeon with the replacement procedure, including installation and orientation of a prosthesis into tissue of a patient as well as construction of a prosthetic assembly to be installed into such tissue.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a method of directing medical instruments towards an intervertebral disc space, removing intervertebral disc material from such disc space, and filling such disc space with a material to fuse vertebrae. Embodiments of the invention are further directed to a path that passes structural portions of an ilium. In some aspects, embodiments of the invention are directed to using electro stimulation to avoid certain nerve roots to access an L5-S1 disc space for the purposes of bone fusion.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for treating a proximal humeral fracture. A system according to one embodiment includes a longitudinal member configured to be received within the humeral shaft. The system includes a jig assembly configured to be coupled to the longitudinal member, wherein the jig assembly includes at least one hole defined therethrough that is configured to guide placement of at least one hole in the humeral shaft, and wherein the hole formed in the humeral shaft is configured to align with at least one hole in the humeral implant such that the jig assembly is configured to locate the position of the humeral implant in the humeral shaft.